Arrival at the Peach Blossom Festival

The Peach Blossom Society.

At its core, it is not a righteous sect. On the contrary, they refer to themselves as a demonic faction, engaging in acts of arson, murder, plunder, and all manner of evil deeds.

It is said that the history of the Peach Blossom Society can be traced back to ancient times. Legend has it that during that era, spiritual energy flourished, and all things possessed a spirit. A peach tree gained sentience and awakened its innate divine ability.

Thus, the Peach Blossom Society was founded.

The Peach Blossom Secret Technique is a simplified version of that ancient peach tree's innate divine ability.

It is regarded as a comprehensive cultivation method that combines martial arts, philosophy, and mind control.

In simple terms, it manipulates an opponent's perception and consciousness, creating lifelike illusions to confuse, distract, or deceive their attention and actions.

Only a select few within the Peach Blossom Society can learn and comprehend this secret technique. In this era, only the sect's leader and her granddaughter, Tao Ying, have mastered it!

Night.

In a desolate land, the cracked and yellowed earth bears the marks of time's relentless passage.

A lonely wind blows, carrying dust and desolation, painting a bleak scene that evokes a sense of melancholy.

In this barren wilderness, an invisible formation envelops the area.

The surrounding energy fluctuations form an intangible barrier, isolating the inside from the outside world.

Two figures slowly approach the formation.

Old Gao extends a finger and lightly taps the formation. A buzzing sound echoes as a gap appears.

"Young Master, it's ready," Old Gao steps aside, smiling at Gu Yan.

This formation is indeed intricate. Without the expertise of a seasoned master like Old Gao, finding this place would have been nearly impossible.

"Mm," Gu Yan nods slightly and steps inside, with Old Gao following closely behind.

The scene inside the formation is strikingly different, as if they have crossed into another dimension. A vibrant sea of peach blossoms stretches before them.

Peach branches sway gently in the breeze, petals falling like rain, painting the air with dazzling colors.

The ground is covered in soft green grass, resembling a lush emerald carpet. A harmonious atmosphere permeates the area, making the Peach Blossom Society's formation seem like a paradise for cultivators, in stark contrast to the desolation outside.

This is... the Peach Blossom Society!

Rumored to be an ancient formation left behind from antiquity, it can isolate the inside from the outside world and conceal all traces of energy. However, as time has passed, the formation has begun to show signs of collapse.

In the original story, it was precisely because of the formation's collapse that the Night Organization was able to locate them.

If not for the formation's imminent failure, this place might have made a suitable base.

Seeing this, Gu Yan is reminded of a genius from the original story who specialized in formations. Though devoid of true energy and unable to cultivate, this individual was obsessed with researching ancient formations.

In the original story, this person managed to create a series of diverse and ingenious formations.

Yes, this person was also one of Leng Qingqiu's subordinates.

The very person who, under Leng Qingqiu's orders, used a formation to sacrifice half a city.

Such talent is undoubtedly worth recruiting.

But before that...

Gu Yan's mind stirs, releasing an invisible wave of oppressive force that seems to solidify the surrounding air.

A gurgling sound echoes as black water surges around Gu Yan.

Enveloped by this liquid, Gu Yan's transformation becomes even more pronounced. He dons the attire known as [Black Night], exuding an indescribable aura of authority and pressure.

In addition to the outfit obtained from the system, Gu Yan has also had Claw apply a layer of protective measures, further concealing his presence, leaving no trace of his energy.

After ensuring everything is in order, Gu Yan turns to Old Gao and extends his hand, his voice low and firm: "Mimicry."

In the next moment, the black water, as if alive, flows toward Old Gao under Gu Yan's guidance, instantly altering his appearance.

The once-otherworldly Old Gao is now a sinister-looking old man cloaked in black robes.

Old Gao feels the change and a flicker of surprise crosses his eyes.

This method of disguise is something he has never encountered before. Where did the Young Master learn this?

After completing the transformation, Gu Yan speaks calmly: "Old Gao, the Peach Blossom Society's leader may only be at the early stage of the Grandmaster realm, but she possesses a technique that can manipulate perception."

"However, it's of no concern. I will have the mole disrupt her technique."

"Any issues?"

Old Gao shakes his head. His voice, altered by the disguise, has become hoarse, and his demeanor has taken on a more sinister tone: "No issues."

"Good, then let's begin."

Tonight, we settle the score with one of our enemies!

...

...

Peach Blossom Society.

In the grand hall of the sect leader, a massive peach wood throne sits at the center, occupied by a dignified yet benevolent old sect leader.

Beside her stands a young woman—her granddaughter, Tao Ying.

"Ying Ying, you've done well. Finding the possessor of the Flower God's Qi means our Peach Blossom Society can once again restore its former glory!"

A weight has been lifted from the old sect leader's heart.

Ever since the battle against the Night Organization five years ago, the Peach Blossom Society's strength has plummeted.

As the current sect leader, she could not simply sit back and watch the sect fade into obscurity.

Thus, the only solution was to find the legendary possessor of the Flower God's Qi!

Only this person could lead the Peach Blossom Society back to its former glory!

Tao Ying receives a message in her mind but maintains her composure, smiling and nodding: "Grandmother, it is my duty."

"I, too, wish to see our Peach Blossom Society thrive."

The old sect leader smiles warmly. Once Wang Yulan's cultivation reaches a sufficient level, she plans to step down and have her granddaughter assist Wang Yulan...

But just as this thought crosses her mind—

Buzz!

Thump!!

Her heart feels as though it has been gripped by an unseen force.

A chilling cold spreads throughout her body, and her expression changes drastically. She clenches the armrests of her throne, struggling to stand.

Her eyes, filled with fear, dart toward the peach wood entrance.

What? What's happening?

It feels as though something incredibly dangerous is approaching.

And this sensation... why does it feel so familiar?

Malice... such overwhelming malice... this feeling...

The old sect leader's pupils contract. Could it be...

Is the rumor true?

First, the leader of the King of Hell Palace.

And now... her?

The Night King? Has the Night King come? How could this be?

In her daze, the old sect leader quickly grits her teeth, forcing herself to calm down. Her voice is strained as she speaks: "Tao Ying... run..."

The next moment—

Boom!!

An overwhelming pressure fills the hall.

Then, a voice echoes beside them: "Run? Where do you think you can run to, Leader of the Peach Blossom Society?"